Knowledge Mandates Action

Iqtidaa-ul-‘Ilm al-‘Amal By Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee. This is the second book in the “Classical Knowledge Series”, which is a collection of selected scholarly works from the past that deal with the subject of religious knowledge. The first book in this blessed series was “The Book of Knowledge” written by Imaam Abu Khaithamah Zuhayr bin Harb An-Nasaa’ee (Died 234H), may Allaah have mercy on him.

Since that book served as an introduction to knowledge, its virtues, merits and manners, it seemed proper that the second book be dedicated to the next level of knowledge, which is its result and outcome, and that is righteous deeds. And what better work to present on this subject than the classic and well-known treatise of the distinguished Imaam, Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee, ‘Iqtidaa-ul-‘Ilm al-‘Amal’ (Knowledge Mandates Action).

In this treatise, the author gathers over 200 narrations from the Prophet, his Companions and the pious predecessors on the virtue and obligation of acting upon knowledge. Thus the work serves as an inspiration and encouragement to the readers, guiding them to transfer whatever knowledge they gain of Islaam into good deeds and righteous actions. You will find this book filled with beautiful admonitions and golden words of advice from our righteous predecessors, inciting us to acquire knowledge and to then put it into practice by way of acts of worship.

In addition to this, Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee, has reviewed the treatise and verified the narrations contained within it, distinguishing the authentic from the weak. So this treatise is of great benefit and deserving of being read and studied by every Muslim, whether in gatherings or individually.

Lastly, due to the nature of verifying narrations, many terms related to the Science of Hadeeth were employed by Imaam Al-Albaanee throughout the footnotes in the treatise. Explanations of these terms and concepts can be found in the Glossary section at the back of the book.

We ask Allaah to make this publication a guiding light to those who read it and an invaluable resource of reference for those who study it and use it for research.